At what age is it appropriate to introduce juices, vegetables, fruits, and protein foods to infants?

Introducing juices, vegetables, fruits, and protein foods to infants is typically recommended between the ages of 4 to 6 months. At this stage, infants are usually ready to start transitioning from a diet solely based on breast milk or formula to include solid foods, as they are developmentally prepared to handle new textures and flavors.

Around 4 to 6 months, most infants have developed the necessary head and neck control and can sit up with support, which are crucial skills for eating solids. This period also matches developmental milestones since babies begin to show signs of readiness for food, such as increased interest in what others are eating and the ability to coordinate their tongue movements to swallow pureed foods.

Moreover, introducing a variety of foods during this time is beneficial for helping infants develop a broader palate, allowing them to experience different tastes and textures, which can promote healthy eating habits as they grow. Since the introduction of juice, vegetables, fruits, and protein occurs during this window of developmental readiness, it’s aligned with pediatric recommendations, making this the appropriate choice.